All horse racing fixtures in Ireland are set to be suspended after Taoiseach Leo Varadkar announced a blanket ban on sporting events.
Horse Racing Ireland decided last week to continue holding fixtures behind closed doors under tightened restrictions due to the coronavirus pandemic.
However, with the Taoiseach announcing this afternoon that events behind closed doors are also to be cancelled, racing will be suspended.
The latest measures come into effect from midnight and will be in place until at least April 19.
Speaking at the briefing Taoiseach Varadkar said: "We believe we need to do more to flatten the curve. People should stay at home if at all possible - this is the best way to slow the virus."
Racing went ahead at Clonmel today and the 5pm race will be the last held in Ireland for the foreseeable future.
A short statement released by Horse Racing Ireland said: "Horse Racing Ireland (HRI) confirm that racing will cease in Ireland as of midnight tonight as per the latest Government guidelines on Covid-19.
"The Board of Horse Racing Ireland will meet tomorrow morning (Wednesday) and will issue a press release soon after."
The Golfing Union of Ireland and Irish Ladies Golf Union have also recommended that golf clubs close.
A statement released this evening read: "Following the recent announcements by the UK and Irish Governments in relation to the coronavirus pandemic, the GUI and ILGU recommend that all golf clubs, practice facilities and courses across the island close with immediate effect until April 19th 2020.
"While golf is an outdoor sport that allows players to exercise in the fresh air, the message is clear. People must stay at home to help to contain the spread of COVID-19."
Major sports such as GAA, soccer, rugby and basketball were all suspended earlier this month, while the Olympics and Paralympics have also been postponed.
Euro 2020 - which featured games in Dublin - has been pushed back until 2021.
The Golfing Union of Ireland and Irish Ladies Golf Union havecontinued to operate with new measures put in place to promote social distancing.
